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SENIOR SERGEANT SERHIY KOZAK

October 22, 2015

Platoon deputy commander of the 4th airmobile company of the 95th Airmobile Brigade. Born on June 11, 1979 in Chernivtsi.

Late in the evening of June 22, Ukrainian troops were ambushed on their way back from Sloviansk. The clash with Russia-backed militants occurred near Dolyna, Donetsk region. Sen. Sgt. Serhiy Kozak was moving in the armored personnel carrier (APC), leading the convoy. The ambush was set up to push the APC from the slope. The militant shell launched from approximately 30 meters passed through the vehicle. Ukrainian servicemen retaliated. Despite the heavy injury – his left leg was torn off and hanged on a piece of skin – Sen. Sgt. Kozak continued to fight. It was a true feat of bravery and his acute sense of duty.

Senior Sergeant Kozak was awarded the Order For Courage (third-class) for courage and heroism demonstrated while defending Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Decree No.613/2014 of the President of Ukraine dated August 2, 2014 “On decorating with Ukraine’s state awards.”